1/3 c cornstarch (if you like your pudding very stiff, use 1/2 c) .
1 quart water .
1 c sugar (to taste)
Directions
Step #1 Clean & rinse berries.
Step #2 If they are large cut in halves or quarters.
Step #3 Bring water to a boil over med-heat/flame.
Step #4 Add sugar & strawberries & let simmer until berries are tender, about 8 mins.
Step #5 You will still have lumps of berries.
Step #6 If you want a smooth consitency, break the fruit up by pushing the berries with the back of a spoon on the side of the pan.
Step #7 Dissolve cornstach in a little water & add to fruit, stirring constantly.
Step #8 Add vanilla or zest if desired (one or the other not both).
Step #9 Bring to rolling boil, stirring constantly.
Step #10 Continue stirring & allow pudding to boil a few mins.
Step #11 The pudding should no longer be cloudy & regain its shine & gloss.
Step #12 Transfer to a bowl & place this in the refrigerator until throughly cool.
Step #13 Depending on the bowl size & shape, this could take several hrs.
Step #14 If you are planning to substitute part of the sugar (would not suggest all) with baking Splenda, add the splenda to the bowl just before cooling.
Step #15 Optional serving ideas: Top with whipped cream, Cool Whip or vanilla yogurt.
Step #16 Chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa are also nice.